The Parliament is responsible for many different functions. The primarly legislative which enacts laws is very important for the goverance of the country. The parliament holds the authority for the approval of legislations and ensures the alignment with national interests. Let us learn more about what the parliament does!
What does the Parliament do?
Functions of the Legislature
The Parliament, besides its legislative role, serves various other functions essential for democratic governance. These include:
Legislative Function: While the Parliament is the primary law-making body, the actual drafting of bills is often performed by the bureaucracy under ministerial supervision. Major bills require Cabinet approval before introduction, and non-minister members can also propose bills, albeit with minimal chances of success without government support.
Control of Executive and Ensuring Accountability: Ensuring that the executive remains accountable and within its authority is a crucial function of the Parliament, ensuring representation of diverse views and holding the government responsible to the electorate.
Financial Function: The Parliament controls taxation and government spending, approving new taxes and scrutinizing budget allocations. It ensures fiscal accountability and prevents misappropriation of funds through budgetary oversight.
Representation: The Parliament represents various regional, social, economic, and religious groups across the nation, reflecting the diversity of opinions and interests.
Debating Function: Serving as the highest forum of debate, the Parliament allows members to discuss and analyze national issues freely, facilitating informed decision-making.
Constituent Function: The Parliament has the authority to discuss and enact constitutional amendments, requiring a special majority in both houses for approval.
Electoral Functions: The Parliament conducts electoral processes for electing the President and Vice President of India.
Judicial Functions: It considers proposals for the removal of high-ranking officials, including the President, Vice President, and Judges of High Courts and the Supreme Court.
Distinct Powers of the Houses
While both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha share many functions, they also possess distinct powers:
Powers of Rajya Sabha:
- Considers and approves non-money bills and suggests amendments to money bills.
- Approves constitutional amendments.
- Exercises control over the executive through questioning, introducing motions and resolutions.
- Participates in the election and removal of high-ranking officials.
- Can grant the Union Parliament power to legislate on State list matters.
Powers of Lok Sabha:
- Initiates, enacts, and amends laws.
- Approves taxation proposals, budgets, and financial statements.
- Controls the executive and can remove it through motions of no confidence.
- Exercises exclusive powers in certain areas like initiating and handling money bills.
Legislative Function
The Parliament, as the primary legislative body, enacts laws crucial for the governance of the country. While the actual drafting of bills is often performed by the bureaucracy under ministerial supervision, the Parliament holds the authority to approve legislations, ensuring their alignment with national interests.
Control of Executive and Ensuring Accountability
A fundamental responsibility of Parliament is to maintain checks and balances on the executive branch, ensuring its adherence to constitutional mandates and accountability to the electorate.
Financial Function
The Parliament plays a pivotal role in financial matters, including taxation and expenditure. It controls the government’s financial activities through budgetary approvals, ensuring transparency, and preventing mismanagement of public funds.
Representation
With members representing diverse regional, social, economic, and religious backgrounds, Parliament serves as a platform to voice the varied perspectives and interests of the populace.
Debating Function
As the highest forum of debate in the country, Parliament facilitates open discussions on a wide array of issues, fostering democratic decision-making processes.
Constituent Function
Parliament possesses the authority to discuss and enact constitutional amendments, ensuring the evolution of governance structures in line with changing societal needs.
Electoral Functions
Parliament conducts electoral processes for electing the President and Vice President of India, ensuring the democratic functioning of key constitutional positions.
Judicial Functions
In addition to its legislative and executive oversight functions, Parliament plays a role in judicial matters, including the consideration of proposals for the removal of key constitutional officeholders, such as the President, Vice-President, and Judges of High Courts and Supreme Court.
Distinct Powers of Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha, representing the states, holds special powers aimed at safeguarding state interests. Matters impacting states’ authority require the Rajya Sabha’s approval, underscoring its role in protecting federal principles.
Exclusive Powers of Lok Sabha
Certain powers, such as the initiation, rejection, or amendment of money bills, are exclusively vested in the Lok Sabha. Additionally, the Council of Ministers is accountable solely to the Lok Sabha, highlighting its centrality in executive oversight.
Conclusion
While both houses of Parliament play indispensable roles in India’s democratic framework, their distinct powers and functions contribute to the system’s checks and balances. Through collaborative legislative processes and robust oversight mechanisms, Parliament remains a cornerstone of democratic governance, ensuring the representation, accountability, and welfare of the Indian populace.
What does the Parliament do?- FAQs
What is the primary function of Parliament?
Parliament’s primary function is to enact laws crucial for the governance of the country. It serves as the highest legislative body, where laws are proposed, debated, and ultimately approved or rejected.
How does Parliament ensure accountability of the executive branch?
Parliament holds the executive branch accountable by overseeing its actions, scrutinizing policies, and demanding explanations through mechanisms such as parliamentary debates, question hours, and committee hearings.
What role does Parliament play in financial matters?
Parliament exercises control over financial matters, including taxation and expenditure. It approves the government’s budget, ensuring transparency and preventing misuse of public funds.
How does Parliament represent the diverse interests of the populace?
With members hailing from various regions, social backgrounds, and professions, Parliament serves as a platform to voice the diverse perspectives and interests of the population, ensuring inclusive governance.
What are the distinct powers of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha?
The Rajya Sabha, representing the states, holds special powers aimed at safeguarding state interests, while the Lok Sabha possesses exclusive powers such as the initiation and approval of money bills and oversight of the executive branch.
Share your thoughts in the comments
Please Login to comment...